March 14 - April 17, 2026
Our world-famous “Milwaukee-style” dioramas inspired these fresh, engaging programs and interactive events that put a fun twist on some of our oldest displays.
Special Events & Programs
The Intro: Diorama-RAMA
Saturday, March 14, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During this kickoff celebration of MPM's Diorama-RAMA Greatest Hit, visitors can stop by the below interactive stations as we go behind the scenes on just a few of the many elements that bring our dioramas to life.
Diorama Deep Dive
MPM is made of world-class and first-of-their-kind dioramas. Look for MPM Educators and docents, plus extra signage, throughout the Museum sharing the history and behind-the-scenes knowledge of these displays.
Located throughout floors
Muskrat Mayhem
Why do our muskrats stand above the rest? Stop by to learn just what makes this beloved exhibit so extraordinary, and how it forever changed what museums look like.
Located behind Sense of Wonder on the First Floor
Furs and Footprints
Have you ever seen an animal on exhibit that looked so real, you just wanted to reach out and touch it? We can't let you behind the glass, but we will have tactile furs from some of our most charismatic displays and talk about some of the secrets behind the taxidermy that make the exhibits so lifelike.
Located in Wisconsin Woodlands on the Second Floor
Storytimes and Activities for Early Learners
Families with young children (recommended for ages 3-6) are invited to join Museum Educators for hands-on activities and storytimes celebrating our Milwaukee-style dioramas.
MPM Exposed: Exhibit Easter Eggs
March 14 and 26, April 9 and 16
5:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a guided one-hour tour that tells exclusive stories about who designed our dioramas, how they were made, and what “Easter eggs” are hidden within. This tour is for adults, 18+.
Cost and Reservations
$10/person
Mystery at MPM
Friday, March 20, 2026
7-10 p.m.
Explore the mysterious side of MPM as you put your sleuthing skills to the test. The theme this time is Diorama-RAMA. Participants will follow a series of clues hidden within MPM's famous Milwaukee-style dioramas and enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with one (or more) of MPM's rarely seen objects.
Sustainer+ and Lifetime presale: February 4-9; public sale February 10
Diorama-RAMA Contest
Tuesday, March 31
6-8:30 p.m.
MPM is partnering to host the 10-year anniversary of the 1st National Diorama Month Diorama-Rama! The theme for 2026 is “NDM/MPM: Dioramas Revisited, Reinvented, Reimagined.” Local artists will be putting their own spin on MPM's famous Milwaukee-style dioramas. Visitors can vote for their favorite dioramas; the winner will be announced at the end of the evening. A cash bar will also be available.
Cost and Reservations
$10 adults, $5 children 13 and under, with half of every ticket sale going to this year's non-profit partner, the Walker's Point Center for the Arts
Can't make the event? Don't worry, dioramas will be on display through April 5 and viewing will be FREE with Museum admission!
Interested in showing your own “Milwaukee style” creation? Email dkirschling@nationaldioramamonth.com to sign up!
Spring Break Diorama Workshop and Showcase
March 30-April 3, 2026 (MPM closed Tuesdays)
10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m.
Make MPM part of your spring break plans and stop by our diorama workspace to design your own MPM-inspired pieces to add to our communal diorama. We'll also teach you a little about the secrets of Museum artistry, using examples from our own exhibits.
From April 1 to 3, visitors will also have the chance to view the impressive mini-dioramas created by local artists and hobbyists as part of the 10th Annual Milwaukee Diorama-RAMA Contest.
Located in the Steigleder Special Exhibits Gallery
The Finale: Diorama-RAMA
Saturday, April 11, 2026
11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
During this closeout celebration of MPM's Diorama-RAMA Greatest Hit, visitors can stop by the below interactive stations as we go behind the scenes on just a few of the many elements that bring our dioramas to life:
Swimming in the Silurian
Milwaukee has long been one of the best places to study the Silurian Period, and fossils from Southeast Wisconsin are featured in museums Nationwide! Learn what makes local formations so important, how MPM has long led the way in showing them to the public, and get a sneak peek at how we'll continue that story in the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin.
Located in The Third Planet on the First Floor
Timba and Simba Spotlight
Immersive dioramas are made of many pieces, including taxidermy. Learn about the stories behind two of MPMs most beloved residents: Timba the Elephant and Simba the Lion.
Located in Africa on the Third Floor
Diorama Deep Dive
MPM is made of world-class and first-of-their-kind dioramas. Look for MPM Educators and docents, plus extra signage, throughout the Museum sharing the history and behind-the-scenes knowledge of these displays.
Located throughout floors
Storytimes and Activities for Early Learners
Families with young children (recommended for ages 3-6) are invited to join Museum Educators for hands-on activities and storytimes celebrating our Milwaukee-style dioramas
Located in the First Floor Butterfly Wing play area
Mystery at MPM: Family Edition
Saturday, April 11, and May 2, 2026
6-8:30pm
Explore the mysterious side of MPM as you put your sleuthing skills to the test. The theme this time is Diorama-RAMA. Participants will follow a series of family-friendly clues hidden within MPM's famous Milwaukee-style dioramas and enjoy the opportunity to get up close and personal with one (or more) of MPM's rarely seen objects.
Sustainer+ and Lifetime presale February 18-24; public sale starts February 25
Education Stations
Weekdays, March 14-April 17, 2026 (MPM closed Tuesdays)
During the week, Museum Educators will be at one or more of the following hands-on learning stations. Programming based on daily availability, times may vary.
Groundbreaking Artists
Ever wonder what makes a diorama so immersive? Go behind the scenes to learn some of the tips, tricks, and careful consideration that goes into making a museum memorable.
Reefs of Old Milwaukee
How do we know (and how do we show) what Milwaukee looked like 425 million years ago? Dive back in time with MPM Educators as we explore the Silurian Period, and the fossil evidence museum artists used to create our lifelike look at our ancient past.
Diorama Deep Dive
MPM is made of world-class and first-of-their-kind dioramas. Look for MPM Educators and docents, plus extra signage, throughout the Museum sharing the history and behind-the-scenes knowledge of these displays.
Fur and Footprints
Have you ever seen an animal on exhibit that looked so real, you just wanted to reach out and touch it? We can't let you behind the glass, but we will have tactile furs from some of our most charismatic displays and talk about some of the secrets behind the taxidermy that make the exhibits so lifelike.
Self-Guided Activity
Stop Spots
March 14-April 17, 2026 (MPM closed Tuesdays)
Museums are one of the only places in the world where people can see extinct animals, and the dioramas allow us to see what animals would've looked like in their native habitats. MPM has several extinct animals displayed. Dioramas with extinct or critically endangered species will be marked with a decal. Find the decals to learn more about the species on display and the work behind saving others from the same fate.
Who Made This?
March 4-April 27
Discover the artists behind MPM's iconic displays. Throughout the Museum, look for panels that reveal the creative minds who brought MPM to life.
School Programs and Resources
Reserve an Educator: Cool for School Days
March 19 and 27, 2026
Schedule one of our school-only Reserve an Educator programs, each with adaptable modules. Portions of these programs will be available as drop-in programming on these dates—each of which use MPM's world-class dioramas as teaching tools!
- Time Travel: What did life look like long ago? Take a hands-on look at what roamed the Earth throughout some of its many eras while engaging with our The Third Planet exhibit.
- Wisconsin Tribes: Since time immemorial, the area we call Wisconsin has been home to Indigenous communities that still reside here today. Learn about the Tribes of Wisconsin and touch on their stories.
- A Bug's World: It's a bug's world, and we're just living in it! Take an up-close look at this often-tiny world of arthropods and how it interacts with ours.
- Ancient Civilizations: Dig into the past to explore how museums use archaeology to learn about ancient people and cultures! This program highlights Ancient Egypt and features MPM's Crossroads of Civilization exhibit as a model.
Diorama-RAMA Reading List
We've curated a list of books for both young and adult readers! Download here.
Merchandise
MPM's Greatest Hits features a lineup of five different month-long celebrations of special events and programs highlighting MPM's most popular and impactful exhibits—or “greatest hits.”
Check out the full list of Greatest Hits.
This year promises to be the most exciting and worthwhile time to become a MPM member, as we pack in as many unique experiences as possible for visitors during this Museum location's last roar! A Membership pays for itself within TWO visits, and any months left on your membership when the current building closes will carry over to the new Museum, where you'll continue to enjoy your benefits. Renew or purchase your membership today to enjoy FREE admission during MPM's Greatest Hits:
The last day of operation at the current location will be January 3, 2027. An official opening date for the Nature & Culture Museum of Wisconsin is still being determined. Stay updated on our monumental move.